Netherlands crowns first new king in over 100 years

Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange becomes the King of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix steps down.

April 30, 2013 9:04 AM

Photo: Pool/Getty Images

Image 1of/37

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 37

In this handout image provided by RVD, HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands kisses her son HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looks on during a short address on the balcony of the Royal Palace to greet the public after the abdication of Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands and ahead of the Inauguration of King Willem Alexander of The Netherlands on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

In this handout image provided by RVD, HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands kisses her son HM King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looks on during a short address on ... more

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands takes the oath as his wife HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands looks on during their inauguration ceremony at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands takes the oath as his wife HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands looks on during their inauguration ceremony at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands takes the oath as his... Photo-4550458.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 3 of 37

HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands claps during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands claps during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands stand with members of the royal household on during their inauguration ceremony at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands stand with members of the royal household on during their inauguration ceremony at New Church on April 30, 2013 ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and his wife HRH... Photo-4550453.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 5 of 37

Princess Letizia of Spain and Prince Felipe of Spain attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Princess Letizia of Spain and Prince Felipe of Spain attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in ... more

Prince Daniel of Sweden and Princess Victoria of Sweden attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Prince Daniel of Sweden and Princess Victoria of Sweden attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in ... more

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand (L), Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (R) and Crown Princess Masako of Japan attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn of Thailand (L), Crown Prince Naruhito of Japan (R) and Crown Princess Masako of Japan attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix ... more

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands arrives with her granddaughters during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands arrives with her granddaughters during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, ... more

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands arrives with her granddaughters... Photo-4550451.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 9 of 37

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands (2nd-L), sits with her granddaughters Princess Catharina Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands (2nd-L), sits with her granddaughters Princess Catharina Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane during the inauguration ceremony of HM King Willem Alexander of the ... more

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar (L), Princess Mary of Denmark and Prince Frederik of Denmark (R) attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar (L), Princess Mary of Denmark and Prince Frederik of Denmark (R) attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of ... more

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar (R), Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Felipe of Spain (L) attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar (R), Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Felipe of Spain (L) attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the ... more

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on ... more

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on ... more

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar attends the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Sjeikha Moza bint Nasser al Misned of Qatar attends the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, ... more

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Britain's Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on ... more

Ceremonial militaries march for the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Ceremonial militaries march for the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

Ceremonial militaries march for the inauguration of HM King Willem... Photo-4550412.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 17 of 37

Members of Parliament arrive to attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Members of Parliament arrive to attend the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands at New Church on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

Members of Parliament arrive to attend the inauguration of HM King... Photo-4550409.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 18 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550393.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 19 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550398.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 20 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550392.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 21 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550388.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 22 of 37

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands (L) and Queen Maxima (R) appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace to greet the public after her abdication and ahead of the Inauguration of King Willem Alexander of The Netherlands on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands (L) and Queen Maxima (R) appear on the balcony of the Royal Palace to greet the public after her abdication and ahead of the Inauguration of King Willem Alexander of The ... more

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550389.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 24 of 37

The signing of the Act of Abdication in the Moseszaal at the Royal Palace on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is abdicating the throne after a 33 year reign and hands the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander who will be sworn in later at the Nieuwe Kerk ahead of a joint session of parliament. less

The signing of the Act of Abdication in the Moseszaal at the Royal Palace on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is abdicating the throne after a 33 year reign and hands the throne to ... more

Photo: Michel Porro, Getty Images

The signing of the Act of Abdication in the Moseszaal at the Royal... Photo-4550434.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 25 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550383.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 26 of 37

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands with their daughters (L-R) Princess Catharina Amalia, Princess Ariane and Princess Alexia appear on the Balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to greet the public after Queen Beatrix abdication and ahead of the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands of the Netherlands, on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands and HM Queen Maxima of the Netherlands with their daughters (L-R) Princess Catharina Amalia, Princess Ariane and Princess Alexia appear on the Balcony of the Royal ... more

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands, HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and and HM Queen Maxima of Holland of the Netherlands appear on the Balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to greet the public after her abdication and ahead of the inauguration of HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. less

HM King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands, HRH Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands and and HM Queen Maxima of Holland of the Netherlands appear on the Balcony of the Royal Palace in Amsterdam to greet the ... more

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550385.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 29 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550381.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 30 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550377.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 31 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Chris Jackson, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550375.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 32 of 37

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands as Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands abdicates on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Getty Images

A general view of celebrations for the inauguration of King Willem... Photo-4550396.61361 - Beaumont Enterprise

Image 33 of 37

Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates arrives to attend the inauguration ceremony for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam on April 30, 2013.

Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates arrives to attend the inauguration ceremony for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam on April 30, 2013.

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary arrive to attend the inauguration ceremony for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam on April 30, 2013.

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary arrive to attend the inauguration ceremony for King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands at Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam on April 30, 2013.

Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert signs the Act of Abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in the Moseszaal at the Royal Palace on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is abdicating the throne after a 33 year reign and hands the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander who will be sworn in later at the Nieuwe Kerk ahead of a joint session of parliament. less

Minister of Defence Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert signs the Act of Abdication of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in the Moseszaal at the Royal Palace on April 30, 2013 in Amsterdam. Queen Beatrix of the ... more